Editing Joint (section)

{{Short description|Location at which two or more bones make contact}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox anatomy
| Name        = Joint
| Latin       = articulus,<br />junctura,<br />articulatio
| Greek       = 
| Image       = Joint.svg
| Caption     = Diagram of a typical [[synovial joint]]
| Width       = 300
| Image2      = Gray298.png
| Caption2    = Depiction of an [[intervertebral disc]], a [[cartilaginous joint]]
| Precursor   = 
| System      = [[Musculoskeletal system]]<br />Articular system
| Artery      = 
| Vein        = 
| Nerve       = 
| Lymph       = 
}}
A '''joint''' or '''articulation''' (or '''articular surface''') is the connection made between [[bone]]s, [[ossicles]], or other hard structures in the body which link an animal's [[skeletal system]] into a functional whole.<ref name="Whiting2006p40">{{cite book |last1=Whiting |first1=William Charles |last2=Rugg |first2=Stuart |year=2006 |title=Dynamic Human Anatomy |volume=10 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ylyAXBPno2IC&pg=PA40 |pages=40|publisher=Human Kinetics |isbn=9780736036825 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8746|title=Articulation definition|publisher=eMedicine Dictionary|date=30 October 2013|access-date=18 November 2013|archive-date=31 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731092044/http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8746|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Saladinp274">Saladin, Ken. Anatomy & Physiology. 7th ed. McGraw-Hill Connect. Web. [http://connect.mheducation.com/connect/hmEBook.do?setTab=sectionTabs p.274]</ref> They are constructed to allow for different degrees and types of movement. Some joints, such as the [[knee]], [[elbow]], and [[shoulder]], are self-lubricating, almost frictionless, and are able to withstand compression and maintain heavy loads while still executing smooth and precise movements.<ref name="Saladinp274"/> Other joints such as [[suture (joint)|sutures]] between the bones of the [[skull]] permit very little movement (only during birth) in order to protect the brain and the [[sense organ]]s.<ref name="Saladinp274"/> The connection between a tooth and the [[jawbone]] is also called a joint, and is described as a fibrous joint known as a [[gomphosis]]. Joints are classified both structurally and functionally.<ref name="isbn0-443-07168-3">{{cite book|last1=Standring|first1=Susan|title=Gray's anatomy : the anatomical basis of clinical practice.|date=2006|publisher=Elsevier Churchill Livingstone|location=Edinburgh|isbn=0-443-07168-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/graysanatomyanat0000unse/page/38 38]|edition=39th|url=https://archive.org/details/graysanatomyanat0000unse/page/38}}</ref>

Joints play a vital role in the human body, contributing to movement, stability, and overall function. They are essential for mobility and flexibility, connecting bones and facilitating a wide range of motions, from simple bending and stretching to complex actions like running and jumping. Beyond enabling movement, joints provide structural support and stability to the skeleton, helping to maintain posture, balance, and the ability to bear weight during daily activities.

The clinical significance of joints is highlighted by common disorders that affect their health and function. '''Osteoarthritis''', a degenerative joint disease, involves the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. '''Rheumatoid arthritis''', an autoimmune disorder, causes chronic inflammation in the joints, often resulting in swelling, pain, and potential deformity. Another prevalent condition, '''gout''', arises from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, triggering severe pain and inflammation.

Joints also hold diagnostic importance, as their condition can indicate underlying health issues. Symptoms such as joint pain and swelling may signal inflammatory diseases, infections, or metabolic disorders. Effective treatment and management of joint-related conditions often require a multifaceted approach, including physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Preventive care, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive strain, is critical for maintaining joint health, preventing disorders, and improving overall quality of life.